Solenoid Triggered String Actuation for Single-Hand Instrument Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical stringed instruments, such as guitars, require the use of both hands for playing, which can be challenging for individuals with limited dexterity, and existing assistive devices are complex, prone to failure, and do not allow for open string actuation.
Innovation Solution
A solenoid-triggered actuating system for musical instruments that allows single-hand and dual-hand operation, using solenoids to hammer strings and an open switch array to generate both fretted and open string notes, with simple components for enhanced reliability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional assistive devices are used to enable single-hand playing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assistive devices with a solenoid-based electromagnetic actuation system. The solenoid converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to automatically pluck strings, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and multiple moving parts while enabling single-hand operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid actuation system is triggered by finger pressure on the string itself, allowing the string to both serve as the musical element and the activation mechanism. The system serves itself by using the player's natural finger action to automatically initiate the solenoid plunger motion, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If conventional assistive devices are used to enable single-hand playing, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to increased component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the string actuation function from the conventional plucking mechanism and integrates it directly into the solenoid system. The string itself becomes the trigger for the solenoid, eliminating the need for separate mechanical linkages and reducing the number of potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assistive devices with a solenoid-based electromagnetic actuation system. The solenoid converts electrical signals into mechanical motion to automatically pluck strings, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and multiple moving parts while enabling single-hand operation.
3Ease of operation
If existing actuation devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens as they cannot accommodate open string actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuation system is designed to work with both fretted and open strings through a universal activation mechanism. The same solenoid-plunger-string interaction that produces fretted notes also produces open string notes, making the system adaptable to different playing styles and techniques without requiring separate mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to play musical instruments with either one or both hands, providing reliable and durable sound generation by simplifying string actuation and allowing for open string notes, enhancing the playing experience for individuals with limited dexterity.
Implementation Method 1
each solenoid comprising a plunger configured to deploy and retract
Implementation Method 2
deploying the plunger of the one of the plurality of solenoids to hammer the corresponding one of the plurality of strings to generate a first sound
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid triggered electrical musical stringed-instrument is provided. The instrument includes a body with a bridge, a neck coupled to the body and having a plurality of frets, a plurality of strings extending over the plurality of frets and coupled to the neck and bridge, a plurality of solenoids coupled to the bridge of the body, each solenoid corresponding to one of the plurality of strings and designed to deploy and retract, and an open switch array coupled to the neck of the instrument and having a plurality of momentary switches electrically coupled to the plurality of solenoids, each momentary switch corresponding to one of the plurality of solenoids associated with one of the plurality of strings of the instrument. Any string or momentary switch is depressed to deploy the plunger of one of the solenoids to hammer one of the plurality of strings.